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The source of the infection could not be established; no further
cases occurred and the child made a complete recovery.
IMMUNISATION AND VACCINATION
These schemes are administered from the Surrey County Council
Divisional Office and the treatment is carried out at the local clinics.
Diphtheria, Whooping Cough and Tetanus.
A combined vaccine providing protection against these three
diseases is now given as a routine and is popular with the mothers.
Every effort is made to commence treatment when the infant is three
months old; and suitable reinforcing doses are given at appropriate
intervals.
Protection against tetanus has recently become very much in
demand, and is a valuable procedure. If an immunized child sustains
a wound it is generally sufficient to administer a single reinforcing
dose of tetanus antigen with no fear of a serious reaction, whereas an
unimmunized child would require a suitable dose of anti-tetanic serum
which is quite frequently followed by severe reactions which may even
be fatal.
Smallpox.
Cases of smallpox were imported into the country during the
early part of the year and this caused an increased demand for vaccination
by children and adults. Most European countries demanded a
recent vaccination certificate from all travellers from England, and this
placed a considerable extra burden on the Health Offices.
Routine vaccination of infants was criticized by some in authority,
and as a result the Ministry of Health advised that vaccination of
infants should normally be delayed until the second year of life. This
policy has since been adopted.
Poliomyelitis.
The oral vaccine came into general use during the year and almost
completely replaced the Salk vaccine. It has the advantage of easy
administration and in addition it is said to give greater protection by
causing intestinal as well as general immunity and thus reducing the
incidence of carriers in the population.
It is pleasing to note that there was not a single case of poliomyelitis
during the year.
Prevention of Tuberculosis.
B.C.G. inoculation is offered to all children who are in their
13th year. The object is to provide artificial immunity during the